Law minister, car driver flout seat belt rule, citizens question police inaction

GADAG: Law Minister H K Patil and his official car driver have been spotted routinely flouting the seat belt rule in Gadag, where the Third Eye traffic monitoring system was inaugurated just three months ago.

Law Minister H K Patil and Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara jointed inaugurated the Third Eye traffic monitoring system at the Gadag SP’s office in September.

On September 8, Law Minister H K Patil, who represents Gadag in the Assembly, and Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, together inaugurated the Third Eye traffic management system at the SP’s office in the town.

However, Patil and his driver have been spotted regularly not using the seat belt, prompting citizens to question why the police are not taking action and whether the laws apply differently to commoners and ministers.

As part of the Third Eye initiative, about 80 cameras have been installed in the twin towns of Gadag and Betageri. Vehicle users are being penalised for violations like not using seat belt, not wearing helmets, riding triples or using mobile phone on two-wheelers, etc. Citizens are now questioning why the same laws are not applied to elected representatives and officials who are found flouting the rules.